She was born April 16, 1939, in Pittsfield, IL, the daughter of George and Ruth (Maple) Carlton. She married Donald E. Cox on April 4, 1964, in Las Vegas, NV. She was proceeded in death by her husband on March 18, 2023.
Ruth Ann is survived by her son Michael (Jennifer) Nance and daughters Lori (Matt locca) Durbin, Michele (Giovanni) Rodriguez; stepdaughters Debbie Reider, Kathy Cox, and four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; sister Rosemary Hunter; brother-in-law Robert Cox and sister-in-law Pat King; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law Yvonne Cox; and sons-in-law Dean Durbin and Dave Reider.
Ruth Ann graduated from Virden High School in 1957. She remained very close to her high school friends and enjoyed getting together with them every chance she got. She had been living in Leesburg, FL, where she enjoyed playing golf and Mahjongg with her many friends.
She was active in Girl Scouts while both her girls were growing up. She also coached girls softball. She sold Avon for many years.
She loved to travel and had her bags packed at the drop of a pin and ready for any adventure that awaited. She will be remembered for her wonderful smile and outlook on life. She enjoyed life to the fullest.
The family will host a Celebration of Life from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Erin’s Pavilion, 4965 South 2nd St., Springfield.
A private burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Montgomery County Cancer Association, 106 Pinnacle Point Drive, Hillsboro, IL 62049, or St. John’s Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, 800 E. Carpenter Street, Springfield, IL 62769.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL.
